One Hampshire town is making big waves with its dining offerings. We take a look at what's currently on the menu in Fareham
When an official poll in 2018 placed Fareham ahead of neighbouring boroughs on the happiness barometer there's little doubt that its proximity to both beautiful countryside and the sea might have something to do with this. Walking through the centre of the historic market town however, reveals another inkling as to what might be putting a smile on people's faces. Fareham it appears, has become a Hampshire hotspot when it comes to food.
Head just north to the village of Knowle and you'll find Cliff Brown's Brasserie: a modern, English brasserie that use locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The menu could include small plates such as crispy fried squid and gin and tonic cured salmon with mains ranging from venison to shitake and chestnut mushroom.
South Square, Knowle Village, Knowle PO17 5FL
When West Street coffee shop and brasserie Cackleberrys opened its doors, the owners wanted to offer one of the best brews for miles around. So no surprise then that, with its soft muted decor and wooden furnishings, it's become a go-to destination for a cup of award-winning Grumpy Mule coffee and flavoursome loose leaf tea; although it could be hard to resist a side order of carrot or chocolate fudge cake. Should you leave home in a rush, breakfast or brunch comes in several different guises: from a full English stack to a power boosting avocado, rocket and poached egg, both served until noon. Take-away lunch options include freshly made soups, quiches and sandwiches.
6 West Street PO16 0BH
A £665,000 refurb of the grade II listed Westbury Manor Museum in 2017 included the ground floor café, and what a transformation. With light streaming in from the glorious gardens beyond, the building's original Victorian and Georgian features are a backdrop to the cabinets of curiosities on display. So expect to enjoy a cappuccino or filled jacket potato sitting alongside exotic butterflies, spoonbills and even a pangolin (that's a type of anteater), all of which found their way here. Working with Hampshire Fare the menu supports county-wide producers, with cream teas, and 'munch' boxes for children also catered for. And as a memento, there's Hattingley Valley wine, Winchester gin or locally made jams to buy.
84 West Street PO16 0JJ
For a dose of Spanish sunshine when Hampshire skies are grey, head to Antonio's in West Street. It might look unassuming from the outside, but inside there's an enticing à la carte menu with plenty of choices of meat, fish and pasta to tickle the taste buds; another option being the two or three-course set menu which won't break the bank. Alternatively, you can graze on traditional tapas which includes their signature sautéed strips of pork loin in paprika sauce.
20 West Street PO16 0LG
Now with a branch in Winchester too, Three Joes original pizzeria bang in the centre of Fareham's West Street is still going strong. Their sourdough is freshly prepared every day using a starter yeast known as the 'Mother', while San Marzano tomatoes are paired with British made Fior di Latte mozzarella, before being cooked in their wood fire oven. Teriyaki beef and ribbon courgette and pumpkin seed are just two of the mouth-watering topping options. And if time is short, there's a tasty take-away menu.
23 West Street, Fareham Shopping Centre PO16 0PQ
Husband and wife team James and Jemma moved to Fareham a few years ago and have established Truffles Restaurant as a magnet for fine dining. The food is modern European with ingredients locally sourced, seasonal and freshly prepared. There's a daily choice of either an à la carte or a set priced menu, as well as an extensive wine list.
8a High Street PO16 7AN
Head to the top of Fareham's broad High Street and you'll find the Richmond Restaurant at the family run Lysses Hotel. With non-residents welcome, there's a fixed price and a grill menu; alternatively, light lunches or an evening snack can be enjoyed in the more relaxed bar and lounge. Should you really want to impress then afternoon tea can be served on the lovely garden terrace.
Lysses House Hotel, 51 High Street PO16 7BQ
If fusion food is your thing then the family run Lauro's Brasserie in the High Street combines French cuisine with a taste of the Orient, all served-up with Filipino hospitality. Their special events are worth looking out for too when five-course contemporary Indian and Thai menus make it to the pass.
8 High Street PO16 7AN
As well as a choice of Indian and Chinese eateries, West Street boasts the Thai restaurant Lemon Grass. With a lunch and evening menu, there's a chance to sample all the usual favourites - satay, Tom Yum soup, red and green curries and Pad Thai - plus some sizzling sounding chef's recommendations and a decent selection of vegetarian options.
114 West Street PO16 0EP
A genuine 18th century coach house towards the bottom of the High Street these days houses the award-winning Italian eatery Villa Romana. Owners Maurizio, who's originally from Bologna, and Alberico, from Rome, take inspiration from Italy's diverse regions for the menu, which can be paired with wine sourced directly from vineyards in their homeland. Plaster statues and white tablecloths make for a slightly retro feel, but baking their own bread and making their own pasta all adds to the authenticity of the dining experience.
The Old Coach House, High Street PO16 7BB
Both outside and inside, Cams Mill on the Cams Mill Estate exudes old world charm. Although, this Fuller's pub deceives the eye as it's actually a recreation of a tidal mill familiar to this area, yet built within the past five years. The lofty beams and rustic style might be a little kitsch but the view over the water is mesmerising. Plus, being minutes from the M27 it's a handy stop-off.
Cams Mill, Cams Hall Estate PO16 8AA
The bow-fronted Red Lion Hotel has been greeting visitors since it first became a coaching inn around 1736. A menu of pub classics including beef and ale pie, and cod and chips, gets the gastro update with dishes such as luxury mac 'n' cheese, and sea bass and scallop risotto, whilst a choice of dishes under 600 calories ticks the healthy eating box.
East Street PO16 0BP
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